Ramjet testing with variable air flow

摘要

Used widely in the defence industry to provide propulsion for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones, air-breathing solid fuel ramjets operate in a similar way to conventional ramjets, but are simpler. Unlike a solid fuel rocket, the fuel is inert and isn't used as a propellant but is burnt as part of the combustion process in the same way as if it were a liquid fuel, thereby lending greater simplicity to the engine. The testing process for such engines needs to replicate the high speeds and harsh environments that they're exposed to during their service life. Built primarily for the US defence industry, the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory's (ABL) ramjet test facility in West Virginia is the first of its kind to offer features that more accurately replicate the flight conditions of missiles and projectiles powered by air-breathing propulsion systems.